Productivity is boosted by 10 percent on Cat's new 100-ton Next Gen excavator

Cat's big new hydraulic excavator, the Next Generation Cat 395, is hard to miss at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020. Cat says that this 100-ton machine offers contractors up to 10 percent more production, two times more structural durability, and reduces maintenance costs by up to 20 percent over its predecessor model, the 390F.

It's all about productivity

 "We increased swing torque and stick force by 10 percent," said Brian Abbott, worldwide product manager for Caterpillar large excavators. "These increases enable contractors to use larger buckets for much greater productivity." 

The 395 takes a productivity-boosting cue from much larger machines. This excavator features a new dedicated hydrostatic swing circuit – a feature found only on larger Cat mining shovels.

 "The circuit enables the excavator to regenerate swing brake energy and independently manage cylinder oil flow," said Abbott. "What that means for owners and operators is greater fuel efficiency along with smoother, more predictable performance when multitasking with the machine."

Three modes of operation are available: Power, Smart, and ECO. Power mode is maximum power at all times; ECO mode lowers engine speed and cycle times while maintaining breakout force. Smart mode takes the guesswork out by automatically matching engine and hydraulic power to the actual digging conditions.

The cooling system features a new on-demand fan that's designed to operate only when required and an available auto reverse function assists with cleaning debris from the cooling cores.

Loaded with standard technology to aid efficiency and safety

"The 395 has the industry's most comprehensive offering of factory-installed technology in its size class," said Abbott. "Our goal is take an owner's operating efficiency to a much higher level."

Cat Payload helps operators increase loading efficiency with on-the-go weighing; real-time payload estimates can be calculated without swinging to help prevent overloading and underloading trucks.

Cat Grade with 2D gives operators visual guidance to grade via the standard touchscreen monitor so they can make more accurate cuts. The system is readily upgradable to Cat Grade with Advanced 2D or Cat Grade with 3D for enhanced accuracy. 

Lift Assist is a new safety feature that helps prevent the excavator from tipping.

2D E-Fence prevents the excavator from moving outside operator-defined points.

Auto Hammer Stop prevents unnecessary wear and tear on the attachment and machine. 

Cat Product Link makes managing the machine easy. It provides a constant stream of wireless information available via the online VisionLink interface. 

Optional Work Tool Recognition saves time and energy when changing attachments.

The optional Cat PL161 Attachment Locator is a Bluetooth device that makes finding attachments and other gear quick and easy.  

More built-in durability

The 395 has received a boost durability to take on demanding work. Booms, sticks and frames are twice as strong as those on the previous model.

Booms have increased top and bottom plate thickness; sticks have increased side, bottom, and bracket plate thickness; and frames have increased base frame and counterweight mounting plate thickness.

The reinforced car body, track link, track rollers, and boom, stick, and bucket cylinders ensure long-term, trouble-free performance.

Reduced maintenance

Extended and synchronized maintenance intervals contribute to lower long-term costs.

The new Cat air filter with an integrated precleaner and primary and secondary filters provides double the dust-holding capacity of the previous design. The new Cat hydraulic return filter has a 3,000-hour service life, and fuel system filters are synchronized for service at 1,000 hours.

The fuel system's water and sediment drains and hydraulic system's oil level check are positioned close together at ground level. 

Two operator-oriented cab options

The 395 offers a choice between a Deluxe and Premium cab. Performance-enhancing features like the front-facing control panel, keyless pushbutton start, and large touchscreen monitor with jog dial keys come standard.

Additional cab features include tilt-up console; advanced viscous cab mounts that reduce vibration as much as 50 percent compared with previous models; Bluetooth integrated radio with USB ports; automatic climate control and programmable joystick buttons.

Large front, rear, and side windows along with standard rearview and right-hand-sideview cameras enhance visibility and an optional 360-degree-visibility package combines images from multiple cameras to give the operator greater sight lines in all directions.